Background: Previous extensive clinical studies, using angiography or ultrasound, investigated the influence of alimentary, medicamentous and other antiatherosclerotic measures on the degree of atherosclerosis. The following signs of regression were found: clinical improvement, changes in tonus of vascular walls, formation of collateral vessels or reduced occurrence of circulatory disturbances. Evidence of a diminution of plaque size was hardly ever produced from appropriate procedures in human pathology. A clear differentiation of regression and stop of progression was generally not possible. Objective: Causes of the difficulties arising in the evaluation of the atherosclerotic process are analyzed based on a review of the current literature. Prospects of regression in different forms of atherosclerosis were discussed. Conclusions: The strength of imaging diagnostics is limited above all by the remodeling of vascular walls, interfering age-related changes in arteries and the heterogeneity of atherosclerotic lesions in addition to the extremely protracted course of atherosclerosis matched by a corresponding extremely slow regression. Early lesions up to the preatheroma as classified by Stary et al. [Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 1995;15:1512–1531] are considered reversible. Advanced lesions can probably be stabilized by antiatherosclerotic measures. Knowledge of collagen composition, proteoglycans, matrix metalloproteinases and other constituents of the vascular extracellular matrix as well as the histoarchitecture of atherosclerotic plaques using magnetic resonance tomography opens up new prospects for the assessment of regression of atherosclerosis.

Keywords:
Atherosclerosis, Regression, Age-related changes, Vascular extracellular matrix, Diagnostics
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.